The program is being offered to all employees, but only a limited number will be accepted. Mercedes is not announcing the target number.

No layoffs are expected, said plant spokeswoman Felyicia Jerald.

The German automaker, which employs 4,000 people at its $1 billion Vance plant, has seen its sales slide in global slump for the automotive industry. The plant has shifted to four-day work weeks to trim its inventory of M-Class sport utilities, R-Class crossovers and GL-Class full-sized sport utilities.

In January, the plant will make changes to its operations to get its production in line with demand, Jerald said.

"We're just positioning ourselves to get through this challenging time and ensure the success of our organization," she said.